2001 Pontiac Sunfire recalls and problems

The 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has 1 safety recall and 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

8 / 2

Injuries / deaths

9 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Pontiac Sunfire vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Pontiac Sunfire recalls

Recall 04V-036: Electrical System

Reported Jan 27, 2004 · 1,415,231 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.

Risk: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.

Fix: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.

2001 Pontiac Sunfire problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	21
Engine and Engine Cooling	12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	8
Air Bags	7
Visibility	4
Tires	4
Suspension	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	3
Structure	2
Seat Belts	2
Fuel System, Other	2
Exterior Lighting	2

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 5
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 5
Structure › Body › Trunk Lid — 2
Electrical System › Wiring — 2
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System — 2
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 2
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 63,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Pontiac Sunfire complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Apr 20, 2017

The contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the anti-theft warning indicator kept randomly illuminating. The vehicle was able to start and, at times, upon entering the vehicle, the key would not turn over to start the vehicle from the ignition. The dealer replaced the battery and the ignition switch, but the failure continued. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v036000 (Electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Steering · at 114,000 miles · reported Jan 10, 2017

In part due to corrosion of the lower control arm, it experienced a sudden structural failure resulting in a significant loss of steering control. This problem occurred twice to my vehicle. The first time it occurred was when cornering an hitting a small pothole. I had the car repaired by a GM dealership and the second time a few years later this occurred again and it was when I had to stop abruptly to avoid a car running a red light. This was the same part that failed each time and rendered the vehicle un-driveable.

Air Bags · reported Dec 1, 2014

The contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. While driving 25 MPH, the ignition switched off independently and caused the steering wheel to lock without warning. The failure caused a four vehicle crash. The air bags failed to deploy and the vehicle was destroyed. It was unknown if any injuries were sustained or if a police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

Service Brakes · at 82,000 miles · reported Nov 5, 2014

The contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the traction control, service engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

Traction Control System · at 98,000 miles · reported Oct 2, 2014

The contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. While driving various speeds, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to restart and the traction warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Other Pontiac Sunfire years

2005 2004 2003 200220012000

Compare all Pontiac Sunfire years · All Pontiac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire: 04V-036 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (21 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 63,000 miles.

Are Pontiac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Pontiac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.